Three weeks later
Photographers, reporters, family members and friends of those who were coming home surrounded the runway, watching as a large navy plane taxied to a stop in front of them, waiting to see who stepped out, if those they knew had lived. Evelyn stood in the front of the crowd, rubbing her hands together out of nervousness, praying that both Rafe and Danny had made it home safely. The steel door swung open, and a ladder was wheeled up to the doorway, and Colonel Doolittle stepped out first, searching the crowd of eager faces, and walking down the steps. Evelyn breathed deeply, and watched as a few other men walked out from the plane. Red she knew, and she waved to him, smiling. He didn't see her, but walked out and into the arms of his mother. From where Evelyn could see, his mother was in tears, but how could she blame her? Her eyes focused on the plane door again, and Rafe stepped out. She sniffed, happy to see he had made it home. His wrist was bandaged, but he was alive. His eyes met hers, and instead of looking away, they stayed on her, happy to see her again. She smiled and tears were in her eyes. He walked down the steps and she watched again, to see Danny step out. She sobbed, and her hands flew to her mouth. He was on crutches and Rafe helped him down the steps to the ground. He looked up at her and she smiled and ran into his arms. He was slightly thrown back when she reached him, but he hugged her tightly, and kissed the top of her head.
"Hey there," he smiled, tears were in his eyes too, and she looked up and kissed him softly, then he wiped her tears away with his hands. He looked at Rafe, and she followed his eyes. She slowly let go of Danny and walked to where Rafe stood alone by the side of the plane. Evelyn looked down at the ground, and then up at him.
"I'm glad you're home." She smiled, and he nodded his head in reply.
"I'm sorry Rafe."
"For what?" he asked, looking around.
"Everything. I never meant to hurt you, and I'm sorry."
"It's alright, really... Go see him, he missed you," Rafe said, nodding his head at Danny, who stood next to Colonel Doolittle, explaining something. Evelyn watched him, then turned back to Rafe.
"You hate me do you?" she asked. He looked down at her and shook his head.
"I can't hate you Evelyn. I can't hate him either."
"You're lying."
"I swear on my life I am not lying. I could never lie to you. I'm fine and I'm glad he has someone like you," Rafe smiled. She noticed he was telling the truth, and she smiled.
"Thank you Rafe. For understanding," she hugged him, and Rafe sighed. He gave up on getting her back, and there was nothing he could do. She let go and walked back to where Danny stood.
"I talked to Rafe," Evelyn said.
"What'd you tell him?" Danny wondered, looking behind her to where Rafe stood, leaning on the crutches.
"I was sorry. He seemed okay with us together."
"Yea, that's what I picked up too. I'm glad he's not mad. I don't think I could live my life known I made his miserable," Danny said, then looked down at Evelyn again.
"I missed you so much," he whispered, and she hugged him to her again.
"I have to tell you something Danny," Evelyn said softly, and he leaned back, looking in her eyes.
"What?" he asked.
"Danny.... I'm pregnant," she said and watched his reaction. Danny blinked once, and tightened his grip on her shoulders a little.
"Rafe?" Danny asked, and his voice cracked. She laughed and shook her head.
"No. You!" He pulled her close to him again. He laughed and lifted her higher in the air, making Evelyn scream.
"Put me down! Danny! What about your leg?" she yelled.
"That is so great! Evelyn, why didn't you tell me before? When did you find out?" He asked so many questions at once and she could only laugh.
"What?" he asked.
"I'm glad you're taking this well. I thought Rafe would be mad, but I guess not." He understood.
"Rafe knew before me?!" he asked, looking again at Rafe. He was watching them, and when Danny saw him he smiled at him.
"You didn't tell me?!" he asked loudly, yelling so Rafe could hear him. Rafe walked towards them, and grinned when he stood in front of Danny.
"Surprise!" Rafe chuckled, and Danny hugged him too, Rafe patted Danny on the back.
"You'll be a good daddy Danny," Rafe smiled. Evelyn's eyes filled with tears again and she smiled when she saw how well they were both taking the news. The three of them walked away from the airfield together, Danny holding Evelyn's hand and Rafe rustled Danny's hair. Danny looked at him and sighed.
When the action is over, and we look back, we understand both more and less. This much is certain: before the Doolittle Raid, America knew nothing but defeat; after it, nothing but victory. Japan realized for the first time that they could loose, and began to pull back; America realized that she could win, and surged forward.
It was a war that changed America. Dorie Miller was the first American to win the Navy Cross, but he would not be the last. World War II for us began at Pearl Harbor, and 1,117 men still lie entombed in the Arizona. America suffered. But America grew stronger. It was not inevitable. The times tried our souls, and through the trials, we overcame.
Four years later
"Evelyn, are you sure about this?" Rafe asked, watching as the woman he once loved pick up one of his suitcases, and bring them inside the house. He hadn't changed at all and neither had Evelyn. She had shorter hair, cut off to her shoulders. The hurt and guilt that had been in hey eyes since Rafe came home five years before had gone, and she couldn't be happier to see him.
"You are our best friend Rafe. Danny would kill me if I didn't let you stay with us, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to you." He sighed, and picked up the other bags at his feet and brought them inside the new house, following her up a staircase, and to a bedroom.
"You can stay here...," Evelyn said as she picked up a few scattered papers lying on the floor, and tossed them in the garbage pail. Danny had just bought the house, and it was beautiful. It had three bedrooms, one for he and Evelyn, one for Rafe whenever he needed it, and one for Joshua.
"Mommy!" A little boy who entered the room yelled, and ran as fast as his legs could carry him to his mothers waiting arms. His brown hair hung down in his eyes, and he had Danny's eyes. Rafe smiled when he saw the boy.
"Josh, how did you get down from your bed?" Evelyn sighed as she ran he hand through the boy's hair.
"I heard you," Josh said, then turned his head when he noticed someone else was in the room.
"Uncle Rafe!!!" he yelled then squeezed out of his mothers grasp and landed on the floor, and ran toward Rafe, hugging his legs.
"Hey buddy!" Rafe laughed as he picked Josh up off floor and rustled his hair. Josh giggled and looked at Rafe.
"Where'd you go this time?"
"France. Wanna see what I bought you?" he asked as he placed Josh on the floor.
"YEA!" he giggled, and Rafe went through one of his suitcases until he found what he was looking for. He held out box that had a bow on the top. The little boy happily took it from him. Josh tore the cover off and pulled out a small brown leather jacket that had patches sewn onto it of flags and had Air Force symbols on it. Josh's eyes lit up when he saw it and hugged it to him.
"Like daddy's and Uncle Rafe's!" Josh laughed. Evelyn smiled at Rafe, noticing he too was wearing the same type of jacket, the kind he wears when he's in the air, and bent down to help Josh put it on. She sighed and stood up, looking over her son.
"He.... he looks exactly like Danny," She said, tears in her eyes. Rafe smiled at this and nodded his head.
"That was the idea.. oh Josh, here," Rafe said as he pulled a pin out of his pocket and pinned it on Josh's smaller jacket, above the name Walker. It was a pair of wings, the one like he and Danny wore. Evelyn shook her head, laughing while Josh raced around the room, making plane noises.
"Thanks Uncle Rafe!" He shouted, extending his arms, circling around.
"Got somethin' for you too," Rafe said as he pulled a box out of his pocket. He handed it to Evelyn and she slowly opened it, to find a silver necklace with a pendant made of tiny specks of glass. She gasped and tried it on.
"Rafe. Why did you get us things? They must have been expensive." She held it until it caught the light coming in from the open window and reflected it, shining colors along the wall.
"Oh my God. It's beautiful Rafe, thank you." She gave him a hug and he gladly hugged her back. They were best friends, and nothing more. And they were both fine with that.
"Hello.." A voice called from downstairs. Josh stopped in mid flight and looked out the doorway of the bedroom.
"DADDY'S HOME!" He yelled, and ran down the stairs, right into his fathers arms. Danny still had that messy brown hair, and dark eyes, only now he had a bright smile, one only a man's family can bring. He hugged Josh tightly to him then looked at his sons jacket.
"Walker," he read from the nametag then looked it over.
"Uncle Rafe gave it to me! Now I can fly like you!" Josh laughed. Danny looked up the stairs and saw Rafe standing with Evelyn.
"H-Hey Rafe. Long time," Danny stated, shaken to see his friend after two years. Both Danny and Rafe kept in touch, and both were still enlisted in the Air Force, flying all over the world. Danny hadn't been home in two months, and now he saw his best friend after two years.
"How's things Danny?" Rafe asked, watching as Danny approached Rafe, then pulled him to him, patting him on the back.
"I really missed you!" Danny laughed, looking at Rafe then Evelyn.
"I don't get a hello?" She joked, and he kissed her so long that both Josh and Rafe at the same time.
"Ew!" Rafe looked down at Josh and laughed.
"Yea yea yea," Evelyn smiled, tickling Josh. Danny watched his son and his wife, then looked at Rafe.
"How long you stayin'?"
"I don't know. A while if that's all right with you," Rafe grinned. Danny laughed and nodded.
"Course. We can teach Josh how to fly like we did when we were kids."
"We weren't four years old."
"He's not gonna fly the plane, he's gonna help. Right Josh?" Danny asked picking up his son, and sitting him on his shoulders.
"Right!" Josh said in response. Rafe sighed and nodded.
"All right, all right," he groaned, making Evelyn laugh. She knew how much he loved to fly, and teaching Josh would be fun for him.
"Less go!" Josh yelled.
"Now? But I just got home...." Danny sighed.
"Please?" Josh begged.
"Yea, please?" Rafe laughed. Evelyn snickered when she saw Danny rolling his eyes toward Rafe, then coughed quietly into her hand when he glared at her.
"What's so funny? You're coming with us!!" Danny said. She shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her.
"I'm not going, there's not enough room in the plane, and the last time you took me up you spun the plane around!" she said.
"Come on Ev, you're coming too," Danny laughed as he pulled Evelyn out the back door, out toward where his plane stayed in the barn shed. It was the old crop duster Rafe's father had when they were growing up, and Rafe wanted him to keep it. Danny had a house, and used the red plane often, fixing it, giving it a new coat of paint, and flying out around his land. Rafe and Josh followed behind them, laughing as Danny picked Evelyn up, sat her in one of the seats, and fastened her seatbelt.
"This... will keep you from falling out of the plane." Danny grinned, pulling tightly on the belt that pinned her to the seat.
"YOU'RE GONNA DO A BARREL ROLL AREN'T YOU?!" she screamed, trying to unfasten her seatbelt.
"Come on Josh, let's go. You can sit with me in the front. Rafe, I think you're gonna have to wait till we come back, unless you wanna be tied down to the propeller," Danny snickered, sitting in his seat, and lifting Josh onto his lap.
"I WANT TO GET OUT DANNY THIS ISN'T FUNNY!!!" Evelyn yelled, kicking her feet. Danny sighed and turned around to look at her.
"I won't do a barrel roll. Promise," He smiled, and she began to calm down.
"What's a barrel roll daddy?" Josh asked, pushing one of the buttons that were in front of him.
"It's when we flip the plane upside down."
"Really?! Can you show me?" Danny turned around again, seeing Evelyn shaking her head, trying to get out.
"Yea, why not." Danny grinned evilly, laughing at Evelyn.
"RAFE GET ME DOWN!" she screamed, clamping her fingers in the red metal.
"Let's go!!! All set back there Ev?" Danny asked as the propeller began to spin, and the plane rolled forward.
"Okay! Let's go!" Danny yelled, lifting the plane in the air, waving to Rafe. The plane set off to the sunset, getting smaller and smaller from where Rafe watched. It reminded him of when they were kids, when nothing in the world mattered, only learning how to fly. The sky began to turn dark, and the bright reds mixed in with the blues, casting a shadow across the entire sky.
"Land of the free." Rafe had once called to Danny when they were much younger, playing in that exact same plane, shooting down German planes only they could see.
"Home of the brave," Danny had always said in return. Rafe chuckled to himself, remembering those times. Danny had saved their lives five years before, and now he did it again, giving Rafe hope of moving on. As the sun set, the plane appeared in the sky again, and Rafe laughed when he heard Josh's laughs ringing through the air, and Evelyn's voice, yelling at Danny. Rafe waved to them, and he saw Danny's hand waving in the air in return, friends for the rest of time.
Photographers, reporters, family members and friends of those who were coming home surrounded the runway, watching as a large navy plane taxied to a stop in front of them, waiting to see who stepped out, if those they knew had lived. Evelyn stood in the front of the crowd, rubbing her hands together out of nervousness, praying that both Rafe and Danny had made it home safely. The steel door swung open, and a ladder was wheeled up to the doorway, and Colonel Doolittle stepped out first, searching the crowd of eager faces, and walking down the steps. Evelyn breathed deeply, and watched as a few other men walked out from the plane. Red she knew, and she waved to him, smiling. He didn't see her, but walked out and into the arms of his mother. From where Evelyn could see, his mother was in tears, but how could she blame her? Her eyes focused on the plane door again, and Rafe stepped out. She sniffed, happy to see he had made it home. His wrist was bandaged, but he was alive. His eyes met hers, and instead of looking away, they stayed on her, happy to see her again. She smiled and tears were in her eyes. He walked down the steps and she watched again, to see Danny step out. She sobbed, and her hands flew to her mouth. He was on crutches and Rafe helped him down the steps to the ground. He looked up at her and she smiled and ran into his arms. He was slightly thrown back when she reached him, but he hugged her tightly, and kissed the top of her head.
"Hey there," he smiled, tears were in his eyes too, and she looked up and kissed him softly, then he wiped her tears away with his hands. He looked at Rafe, and she followed his eyes. She slowly let go of Danny and walked to where Rafe stood alone by the side of the plane. Evelyn looked down at the ground, and then up at him.
"I'm glad you're home." She smiled, and he nodded his head in reply.
"I'm sorry Rafe."
"For what?" he asked, looking around.
"Everything. I never meant to hurt you, and I'm sorry."
"It's alright, really... Go see him, he missed you," Rafe said, nodding his head at Danny, who stood next to Colonel Doolittle, explaining something. Evelyn watched him, then turned back to Rafe.
"You hate me do you?" she asked. He looked down at her and shook his head.
"I can't hate you Evelyn. I can't hate him either."
"You're lying."
"I swear on my life I am not lying. I could never lie to you. I'm fine and I'm glad he has someone like you," Rafe smiled. She noticed he was telling the truth, and she smiled.
"Thank you Rafe. For understanding," she hugged him, and Rafe sighed. He gave up on getting her back, and there was nothing he could do. She let go and walked back to where Danny stood.
"I talked to Rafe," Evelyn said.
"What'd you tell him?" Danny wondered, looking behind her to where Rafe stood, leaning on the crutches.
"I was sorry. He seemed okay with us together."
"Yea, that's what I picked up too. I'm glad he's not mad. I don't think I could live my life known I made his miserable," Danny said, then looked down at Evelyn again.
"I missed you so much," he whispered, and she hugged him to her again.
"I have to tell you something Danny," Evelyn said softly, and he leaned back, looking in her eyes.
"What?" he asked.
"Danny.... I'm pregnant," she said and watched his reaction. Danny blinked once, and tightened his grip on her shoulders a little.
"Rafe?" Danny asked, and his voice cracked. She laughed and shook her head.
"No. You!" He pulled her close to him again. He laughed and lifted her higher in the air, making Evelyn scream.
"Put me down! Danny! What about your leg?" she yelled.
"That is so great! Evelyn, why didn't you tell me before? When did you find out?" He asked so many questions at once and she could only laugh.
"What?" he asked.
"I'm glad you're taking this well. I thought Rafe would be mad, but I guess not." He understood.
"Rafe knew before me?!" he asked, looking again at Rafe. He was watching them, and when Danny saw him he smiled at him.
"You didn't tell me?!" he asked loudly, yelling so Rafe could hear him. Rafe walked towards them, and grinned when he stood in front of Danny.
"Surprise!" Rafe chuckled, and Danny hugged him too, Rafe patted Danny on the back.
"You'll be a good daddy Danny," Rafe smiled. Evelyn's eyes filled with tears again and she smiled when she saw how well they were both taking the news. The three of them walked away from the airfield together, Danny holding Evelyn's hand and Rafe rustled Danny's hair. Danny looked at him and sighed.
When the action is over, and we look back, we understand both more and less. This much is certain: before the Doolittle Raid, America knew nothing but defeat; after it, nothing but victory. Japan realized for the first time that they could loose, and began to pull back; America realized that she could win, and surged forward.
It was a war that changed America. Dorie Miller was the first American to win the Navy Cross, but he would not be the last. World War II for us began at Pearl Harbor, and 1,117 men still lie entombed in the Arizona. America suffered. But America grew stronger. It was not inevitable. The times tried our souls, and through the trials, we overcame.
Four years later
"Evelyn, are you sure about this?" Rafe asked, watching as the woman he once loved pick up one of his suitcases, and bring them inside the house. He hadn't changed at all and neither had Evelyn. She had shorter hair, cut off to her shoulders. The hurt and guilt that had been in hey eyes since Rafe came home five years before had gone, and she couldn't be happier to see him.
"You are our best friend Rafe. Danny would kill me if I didn't let you stay with us, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to you." He sighed, and picked up the other bags at his feet and brought them inside the new house, following her up a staircase, and to a bedroom.
"You can stay here...," Evelyn said as she picked up a few scattered papers lying on the floor, and tossed them in the garbage pail. Danny had just bought the house, and it was beautiful. It had three bedrooms, one for he and Evelyn, one for Rafe whenever he needed it, and one for Joshua.
"Mommy!" A little boy who entered the room yelled, and ran as fast as his legs could carry him to his mothers waiting arms. His brown hair hung down in his eyes, and he had Danny's eyes. Rafe smiled when he saw the boy.
"Josh, how did you get down from your bed?" Evelyn sighed as she ran he hand through the boy's hair.
"I heard you," Josh said, then turned his head when he noticed someone else was in the room.
"Uncle Rafe!!!" he yelled then squeezed out of his mothers grasp and landed on the floor, and ran toward Rafe, hugging his legs.
"Hey buddy!" Rafe laughed as he picked Josh up off floor and rustled his hair. Josh giggled and looked at Rafe.
"Where'd you go this time?"
"France. Wanna see what I bought you?" he asked as he placed Josh on the floor.
"YEA!" he giggled, and Rafe went through one of his suitcases until he found what he was looking for. He held out box that had a bow on the top. The little boy happily took it from him. Josh tore the cover off and pulled out a small brown leather jacket that had patches sewn onto it of flags and had Air Force symbols on it. Josh's eyes lit up when he saw it and hugged it to him.
"Like daddy's and Uncle Rafe's!" Josh laughed. Evelyn smiled at Rafe, noticing he too was wearing the same type of jacket, the kind he wears when he's in the air, and bent down to help Josh put it on. She sighed and stood up, looking over her son.
"He.... he looks exactly like Danny," She said, tears in her eyes. Rafe smiled at this and nodded his head.
"That was the idea.. oh Josh, here," Rafe said as he pulled a pin out of his pocket and pinned it on Josh's smaller jacket, above the name Walker. It was a pair of wings, the one like he and Danny wore. Evelyn shook her head, laughing while Josh raced around the room, making plane noises.
"Thanks Uncle Rafe!" He shouted, extending his arms, circling around.
"Got somethin' for you too," Rafe said as he pulled a box out of his pocket. He handed it to Evelyn and she slowly opened it, to find a silver necklace with a pendant made of tiny specks of glass. She gasped and tried it on.
"Rafe. Why did you get us things? They must have been expensive." She held it until it caught the light coming in from the open window and reflected it, shining colors along the wall.
"Oh my God. It's beautiful Rafe, thank you." She gave him a hug and he gladly hugged her back. They were best friends, and nothing more. And they were both fine with that.
"Hello.." A voice called from downstairs. Josh stopped in mid flight and looked out the doorway of the bedroom.
"DADDY'S HOME!" He yelled, and ran down the stairs, right into his fathers arms. Danny still had that messy brown hair, and dark eyes, only now he had a bright smile, one only a man's family can bring. He hugged Josh tightly to him then looked at his sons jacket.
"Walker," he read from the nametag then looked it over.
"Uncle Rafe gave it to me! Now I can fly like you!" Josh laughed. Danny looked up the stairs and saw Rafe standing with Evelyn.
"H-Hey Rafe. Long time," Danny stated, shaken to see his friend after two years. Both Danny and Rafe kept in touch, and both were still enlisted in the Air Force, flying all over the world. Danny hadn't been home in two months, and now he saw his best friend after two years.
"How's things Danny?" Rafe asked, watching as Danny approached Rafe, then pulled him to him, patting him on the back.
"I really missed you!" Danny laughed, looking at Rafe then Evelyn.
"I don't get a hello?" She joked, and he kissed her so long that both Josh and Rafe at the same time.
"Ew!" Rafe looked down at Josh and laughed.
"Yea yea yea," Evelyn smiled, tickling Josh. Danny watched his son and his wife, then looked at Rafe.
"How long you stayin'?"
"I don't know. A while if that's all right with you," Rafe grinned. Danny laughed and nodded.
"Course. We can teach Josh how to fly like we did when we were kids."
"We weren't four years old."
"He's not gonna fly the plane, he's gonna help. Right Josh?" Danny asked picking up his son, and sitting him on his shoulders.
"Right!" Josh said in response. Rafe sighed and nodded.
"All right, all right," he groaned, making Evelyn laugh. She knew how much he loved to fly, and teaching Josh would be fun for him.
"Less go!" Josh yelled.
"Now? But I just got home...." Danny sighed.
"Please?" Josh begged.
"Yea, please?" Rafe laughed. Evelyn snickered when she saw Danny rolling his eyes toward Rafe, then coughed quietly into her hand when he glared at her.
"What's so funny? You're coming with us!!" Danny said. She shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her.
"I'm not going, there's not enough room in the plane, and the last time you took me up you spun the plane around!" she said.
"Come on Ev, you're coming too," Danny laughed as he pulled Evelyn out the back door, out toward where his plane stayed in the barn shed. It was the old crop duster Rafe's father had when they were growing up, and Rafe wanted him to keep it. Danny had a house, and used the red plane often, fixing it, giving it a new coat of paint, and flying out around his land. Rafe and Josh followed behind them, laughing as Danny picked Evelyn up, sat her in one of the seats, and fastened her seatbelt.
"This... will keep you from falling out of the plane." Danny grinned, pulling tightly on the belt that pinned her to the seat.
"YOU'RE GONNA DO A BARREL ROLL AREN'T YOU?!" she screamed, trying to unfasten her seatbelt.
"Come on Josh, let's go. You can sit with me in the front. Rafe, I think you're gonna have to wait till we come back, unless you wanna be tied down to the propeller," Danny snickered, sitting in his seat, and lifting Josh onto his lap.
"I WANT TO GET OUT DANNY THIS ISN'T FUNNY!!!" Evelyn yelled, kicking her feet. Danny sighed and turned around to look at her.
"I won't do a barrel roll. Promise," He smiled, and she began to calm down.
"What's a barrel roll daddy?" Josh asked, pushing one of the buttons that were in front of him.
"It's when we flip the plane upside down."
"Really?! Can you show me?" Danny turned around again, seeing Evelyn shaking her head, trying to get out.
"Yea, why not." Danny grinned evilly, laughing at Evelyn.
"RAFE GET ME DOWN!" she screamed, clamping her fingers in the red metal.
"Let's go!!! All set back there Ev?" Danny asked as the propeller began to spin, and the plane rolled forward.
"Okay! Let's go!" Danny yelled, lifting the plane in the air, waving to Rafe. The plane set off to the sunset, getting smaller and smaller from where Rafe watched. It reminded him of when they were kids, when nothing in the world mattered, only learning how to fly. The sky began to turn dark, and the bright reds mixed in with the blues, casting a shadow across the entire sky.
"Land of the free." Rafe had once called to Danny when they were much younger, playing in that exact same plane, shooting down German planes only they could see.
"Home of the brave," Danny had always said in return. Rafe chuckled to himself, remembering those times. Danny had saved their lives five years before, and now he did it again, giving Rafe hope of moving on. As the sun set, the plane appeared in the sky again, and Rafe laughed when he heard Josh's laughs ringing through the air, and Evelyn's voice, yelling at Danny. Rafe waved to them, and he saw Danny's hand waving in the air in return, friends for the rest of time.